What a skydiving license actually is and what it lets you do

A skydiving license is a certification that shows you have completed the training and demonstrated the skills needed to jump from an aircraft and land safely under a parachute. In the United States, the United States Parachute Association (USPA) issues the standard skydiving license, which has four levels: A, B, C, and D. Each level requires a minimum number of jumps and completion of specific skills before you can advance.

A USPA A-license is the entry-level certification and is what most people get after their first training course. It requires a minimum of 25 jumps and covers the basics: how to exit the aircraft, how to control your body position during freefall, how to deploy your parachute, and how to land. Once you hold an A-license, you can jump at any USPA-affiliated drop zone in the United States without direct supervision, though you will still be subject to the drop zone's rules and weather restrictions.

The higher licenses (B, C, and D) require more jumps and more advanced skills, such as formation skydiving or high-altitude jumps. Most recreational skydivers stop at the C-license, which requires 200 jumps. If you want to jump professionally or teach others, you will need additional certifications beyond the D-license.

Key Takeaways

  • You must complete a USPA-approved first-jump course at a drop zone before you can earn any license, and this course typically takes one full day.
  • An A-license requires 25 jumps minimum and covers emergency procedures, body control, and landing skills that you will practice under instructor supervision.
  • You will need to pass written exams and demonstrate specific skills in the air before advancing from one license level to the next.
  • The cost of training and jumps varies by drop zone, but expect to spend several hundred dollars for the first-jump course and $15 to $30 per jump after that.
  • You must be at least 18 years old and in good physical health, with no conditions that would make skydiving unsafe.

The first-jump course: what happens on day one

Before you can make your first jump, you must attend a first-jump course at a USPA-certified drop zone. This course is usually called AFF (Accelerated Freefall) or tandem training, depending on the drop zone's method. The course runs for most of a full day and covers ground school, gear fitting, and a supervised jump.

In ground school, instructors teach you how to recognize and respond to emergencies, how to position your body in freefall, how to deploy your parachute, and how to land. You will learn to recognize the signs of a malfunction and practice the procedures you would use to fix it or deploy your reserve parachute. You will also learn how to read an altimeter so you know when to deploy your main parachute.

After ground school, you will be fitted with a parachute rig, helmet, and goggles. The instructors will walk you through how to wear and find each piece of equipment. Then you will board the aircraft with your instructors, climb to jump altitude (usually 10,000 to 15,000 feet), and make your first jump. During this first jump, you will have one or two instructors with you in freefall to guide you and help if anything goes wrong.

The cost of a first-jump course varies by drop zone but typically ranges from $200 to $400. This fee usually includes ground school, gear rental, the jump itself, and video of your jump if the drop zone offers it.

Earning your A-license: the 25-jump progression

After your first jump, you begin working toward your A-license. The path requires a minimum of 25 jumps, but you cannot straightforward make 25 jumps and stop—you must also complete specific skills and pass written exams at each stage.

The 25 jumps are divided into groups, and each group focuses on a different set of skills. Jumps 1–7 focus on body control and stability in freefall. You will practice maintaining a flat, stable position and learning to move forward, backward, and sideways in the air. Jumps 8–15 focus on canopy control—how to steer your parachute, how to avoid other jumpers, and how to land safely. Jumps 16–25 focus on emergency procedures and advanced canopy skills.

Between each group of jumps, you must pass a written exam that covers the material you just practiced. You must also demonstrate the skills in the air to an instructor or examiner. If you do not pass a skill check, you will repeat jumps in that group until you do.

Once you have completed all 25 jumps and passed all the skill checks and written exams, you can explore for your A-license. The USPA will issue the license once your drop zone submits your record and the fee (usually $50 to $75).

What the written exams cover

The written exams for your A-license test your knowledge of equipment, procedures, and safety. You will answer questions about how to inspect a parachute rig, how to recognize a malfunction, what to do if your main parachute does not open, and how to respond to other emergencies in the air.

The exams also cover the rules of the drop zone and the airspace around it. You need to know the altitude at which you must deploy your parachute, the wind speed limits for jumping, and the procedures for boarding and exiting the aircraft. You will also be tested on how to read weather reports and understand how wind and weather affect your jump.

Most drop zones provide study materials or a handbook that covers all the exam topics. You can usually take the exam multiple times if you do not pass on your first try, though some drop zones charge a small fee for retakes.

Physical requirements and medical clearance

You must be at least 18 years old to hold a skydiving license. There is no upper age limit, but you must be in good enough physical health to handle the demands of jumping and landing.

Before your first jump, you will sign a waiver acknowledging the risks of skydiving. The drop zone may ask you to disclose any medical conditions that could affect your safety, such as heart problems, seizure disorders, or recent injuries. If you have a condition that concerns the drop zone, they may ask you to get written clearance from a doctor before you jump.

Pregnancy is a contraindication for skydiving at most drop zones, as is being under the influence of alcohol or drugs. You should also be in reasonable physical condition—you do not need to be an athlete, but you should be able to walk, climb stairs, and handle the physical stress of landing a parachute.

Costs and what to expect to spend

The total cost of earning an A-license varies depending on the drop zone and how quickly you progress, but here is a realistic breakdown. A first-jump course costs $200 to $400. Each jump after that costs $15 to $30, depending on whether you are renting gear or using your own. To reach 25 jumps, you will spend roughly $375 to $750 on jump fees alone.

If you do not own a parachute rig, you will rent one at the drop zone. Rental fees are usually included in the per-jump cost, but some drop zones charge separately. A parachute rig costs $3,000 to $5,000 to buy new, so most people rent for their first 50 to 100 jumps.

You may also want to buy your own helmet and altimeter, which together cost $200 to $400. These are optional for your first jumps, but many jumpers buy them early because they are personal safety items.

The total cost to earn an A-license is typically $1,000 to $1,500, not including the cost of buying your own gear. This is a one-time cost; once you have your license, you only pay per jump.

Finding a USPA-certified drop zone near you

To earn a skydiving license, you must train at a drop zone that is certified by the USPA. The USPA website has a directory of certified drop zones organized by state. You can search by location and see which drop zones offer first-jump courses and what their fees are.

When you are choosing a drop zone, ask about their safety record, the experience of their instructors, and whether they offer the AFF method (which is the most common method for earning an A-license). You should also ask how long the wait is between jumps—some drop zones can schedule you for multiple jumps in a day, while others have longer waits depending on weather and aircraft availability.

Call or visit the drop zone in person if you can. Talk to the staff and other jumpers, and ask questions about anything that concerns you. A good drop zone will be happy to answer your questions and explain their procedures in detail.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a skydiving license if I am afraid of heights?

Many skydivers were afraid of heights before they started jumping. The fear of heights is different from the fear of falling, and most people find that freefall feels less scary than they expected. That said, you should talk to an instructor about your fear before you book your first jump. They can explain what to expect and help you decide if skydiving is right for you.

How long does it take to earn an A-license?

The time depends on how often you jump and how quickly you progress through the skills. If you jump once a week, you can earn an A-license in about six months. If you jump more frequently, you can finish in a few weeks. Weather and aircraft availability also affect how fast you can progress.

Do I need to own a parachute rig to get a license?

No. You can rent a parachute rig at the drop zone for every jump. Most people rent for their first 50 to 100 jumps before deciding whether to buy their own gear. Renting is included in the per-jump fee at most drop zones.

What happens if I fail a skill check or written exam?

If you do not pass a skill check, you will repeat jumps in that group until you demonstrate the skill to an instructor's satisfaction. If you fail a written exam, you can usually retake it after studying more. There is no limit to how many times you can retake an exam, though some drop zones charge a small fee for retakes.

Can I jump at any drop zone once I have an A-license?

Yes, you can jump at any USPA-certified drop zone in the United States. However, each drop zone has its own rules about weather, wind speed, and other conditions. You will also need to check in with the drop zone staff and follow their procedures before you jump.